What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional position at Brightway Living & Learning?
Company Description Brightway Living & Learning, formerly known as Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), is a Long Island–based human services organization dedicated to supporting children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Founded in 1961, Brightway has more than six decades of experience providing person-centered care and services. The organization now supports over 1,600 people through a comprehensive continuum of programs tailored to individual needs. Brightway focuses on helping each person achieve growth, independence, and fulfillment, while also providing meaningful support to families. Team members join a mission-driven environment that emphasizes respect, inclusion, and high-quality care.
Role Description The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a full-time, on-site role based across Long Island, NY. The DSP provides person-centered support to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in daily living, community participation, and skill-building activities. Responsibilities include assisting with personal care, promoting independence in routines such as meal preparation and household tasks, and supporting individuals in social and recreational activities. The DSP encourages self-advocacy, models positive behavior, and follows individualized service plans to help each person reach their goals. Additional duties include maintaining accurate documentation, following health and safety protocols, collaborating with clinical and educational staff, and participating in required training and team meetings.
Qualifications
Role Description The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a full-time, on-site role based across Long Island, NY. The DSP provides person-centered support to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in daily living, community participation, and skill-building activities. Responsibilities include assisting with personal care, promoting independence in routines such as meal preparation and household tasks, and supporting individuals in social and recreational activities. The DSP encourages self-advocacy, models positive behavior, and follows individualized service plans to help each person reach their goals. Additional duties include maintaining accurate documentation, following health and safety protocols, collaborating with clinical and educational staff, and participating in required training and team meetings.
Qualifications
- Experience or strong interest in Human Services and supporting individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills and Communication abilities, including active listening, clear documentation, and respectful, person-centered interaction.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing Training, including behavior support strategies, crisis prevention, first aid/CPR, and agency-specific procedures.
- Ability to assist with daily living tasks, including personal care, mobility, and household routines, while promoting dignity and independence.
- High school diploma or equivalent; prior experience in residential, educational, or community-based support settings is preferred.
- Reliability and flexibility to work assigned shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Ability to meet physical requirements of the role, such as assisting with transfers, standing, and light lifting, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record may be required based on program needs.